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thebookstackattack's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
kibiiiariii's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rafap's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
carolinamrdsantos's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
micahsem's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
5.0
hillangel's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kmmi_booklover's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
emmylgrajinski's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
daumari's review against another edition
4.0
I'm fairly certain I read (or attempted to read) this in 8th grade, and it was our book club selection for Oct/Nov Biere Library Storytime Book Club because my cohost has never read it and wanted to get to it, with fall feeling perfect for this!
It was a little bit of a struggle to finish, as I kept falling asleep (peril of reading at night), which is an interesting contrast to another member who found she couldn't read it at night because she'd have terrible nightmares. I think I also lagged because I felt like Victor mostly laments his situation despite having the ability to take action on it, such as telling literally anyone earlier about his creature running around strangling people, or warning his loved ones, orrrrrr even making any kind of effort to parent his offspring.
Like my friend Amber's review notes,
For all his bad feels, Victor seems truly unrepentant about bringing new life into this world without taking responsibility for his actions, and as a result all of the bloodshed really could've been avoided, in my opinion. One of the themes that came up in book club is how this could be read as a commentary on parenting, with Viktor reflecting on how supportive and doting his were while abdicating any responsibility whatsoever over The Creature, bringing him into this world without guidance and being appalled at what he is after having to fend for himself (would not pass an IRB review, I think). I found the Creature to be a more compelling point of view than Victor, even though it's creepy to be peeping on your neighbors (makes sense as a means to learn how to speak and read, though!)
I recall when I first read this being surprised at how articulate the Creature was, given the pop culture osmosis depiction shows a shambling undead abomination groaning. The Creature is merely a construct with higher stamina who just wants to live but is rejected by all humans he encounters... I found it interesting his plan was to go away to the wilds of South America, which to 1818's eyes must have felt like a truly remote place.
One of our book club regulars is German, and he was delighted to inform us about how Ingolstadt is one of the oldest universities in Europe and talked about other places Victor travels and how next time he visits his homeland, he's going to try to stay at some of the same places- glad to inspire travel plans!
It was a little bit of a struggle to finish, as I kept falling asleep (peril of reading at night), which is an interesting contrast to another member who found she couldn't read it at night because she'd have terrible nightmares. I think I also lagged because I felt like Victor mostly laments his situation despite having the ability to take action on it, such as telling literally anyone earlier about his creature running around strangling people, or warning his loved ones, orrrrrr even making any kind of effort to parent his offspring.
Like my friend Amber's review notes,
Broke: Frankenstein is the monster
Woke: Frankenstein is the creator of the monster
Bespoke: Frankenstein is the monster
For all his bad feels, Victor seems truly unrepentant about bringing new life into this world without taking responsibility for his actions, and as a result all of the bloodshed really could've been avoided, in my opinion. One of the themes that came up in book club is how this could be read as a commentary on parenting, with Viktor reflecting on how supportive and doting his were while abdicating any responsibility whatsoever over The Creature, bringing him into this world without guidance and being appalled at what he is after having to fend for himself (would not pass an IRB review, I think). I found the Creature to be a more compelling point of view than Victor, even though it's creepy to be peeping on your neighbors (makes sense as a means to learn how to speak and read, though!)
I recall when I first read this being surprised at how articulate the Creature was, given the pop culture osmosis depiction shows a shambling undead abomination groaning. The Creature is merely a construct with higher stamina who just wants to live but is rejected by all humans he encounters... I found it interesting his plan was to go away to the wilds of South America, which to 1818's eyes must have felt like a truly remote place.
One of our book club regulars is German, and he was delighted to inform us about how Ingolstadt is one of the oldest universities in Europe and talked about other places Victor travels and how next time he visits his homeland, he's going to try to stay at some of the same places- glad to inspire travel plans!